Bob’s WA Update
So, it’s New Years Day 2018 and I’m on Course 2, Lesson 10 of my Wealthy Affiliate training. My task is to give an update on my progress.
If I counted correctly, today is my 75th day as a Premium member at Wealthy Affiliate. I’m shocked it’s only been that long. It feels like I’ve been at this a lot longer than that!
Much has happened since that first day:
- Became a Premium member
- Completed Course 1: Getting Started and, with this task, am about to complete Course 2.
- Completed Course 1 in WA Bootcamp. I found it too much to continue this right now with everything else I need to focus on. I’ll be back!
- I have two websites up and running, each on owned domains. One is to promote WA with a focus on guiding network marketers to learn how to build an online presence. The other is a “triple” blog site centering on quality of life issues; working smart, living well and resting easy. I am blogging on each category to bring quality suggestions, solutions and products to my readers’ attention. I realize that is a big bite to chew but I’m also realistic that those will take time to develop.
- Both websites have indexed with Google.
- I am following 449 fellow members with 367 following me. Building a network of like-minded people has been the unexpected factor. On my first day I had no idea this would be part of the mix, so to speak. I remember getting the first communications, first from Kyle and Carson and then others. The first from Kyle I thought, “Oh… a robot letter. How nice!” So, I responded and much to my surprise, he answered back. Then I received other welcome messages. I wasn’t expecting this thriving community to be part of my daily activities, so I wondered what I got myself into. I then discovered the value I was receiving every day. Now I wonder if I can really offer the same level of value to others.
- My ranking has steadily improved to Top 200 status, currently 121. I’m not really technically adept yet so my ability to ”help” is limited. However, I see the value in being connected and bringing some encouragement to other members. I have received so much from this network I’ll never be able to fully repay.
Challenges
My biggest challenges have been in the back office technical tasks but I’m getting better at it. Google tools like Google Analytics and Webmaster Tools have me totally perplexed. I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing and I’m pretty sure I’m really messing that up! The whole idea of putting every page and post through all the steps it takes to submit them to Google has me wishing it was much more automatic. Whereas I enjoy most of what I’m doing, this is one area I do not enjoy. Even some of the training I’ve seen so far seems way over my head. I will keep trying and hoping I’ll grasp it a little better as time goes on.
I feel that so much has happened in 75 days and yet I feel I haven’t accomplished enough. I can’t imagine what will develop over the next 3-6 months!
Within the next 3 months, I have the goals of:
- Completing Course 3 with the hope of completing Course 4. As I work full time while doing this, my strategy is to keep at it.
- Continuing to build out my websites with a priority focus on my blog site.
- Research other affiliate opportunities that might create a more immediate income stream. Begin using any appropriate affiliate programs I find that fit my tri-blog website. I not sure Amazon will accept my site until it meets their criteria. They seemed pretty restrictive when I read their affiliate policies.
- Continue interacting with my new friends and offer help and encouragement where I can.
- Realize the goal of driving traffic to my network marketing business website.
My six month goals include:
- Completing all 5 Courses of training.
- Becoming more proficient at back office tasks as well as the Google Console and analytical systems.
- Continue to improve my website rankings. (Of course!)
- Realize some income ($500-$1000) from my efforts.
- Maintain or improve my rank at WA (Top 100?) hopefully becoming able to offer a higher level of assistance.
My long time goals are:
- Developing a solid part-time income to supplement my retirement within the next 2-3 years.
- Help improve the lives of others by having a positive impact, providing valuable information and solutions to work smart, live well and rest easy.
I am very proud of my affiliation with Wealthy Affiliate and all of you, my fellow members. I’m thankful for this opportunity and grateful for your support.
Until my next update, I wish you all the best for you and yours and Happy New Year!
~Bob
Recent Comments
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Bob, this could have been my post! I'm about 75 days into training, and near the end of Course 2. I feel completely lost much of the time with the technical tools. I have yet to figure out how to add a clickable Contact link on my website. And, when I write my post, I have no idea how to get it posted on my Google+ site.
If you've picked anything that might help another newbie, please send me the info, or the link, or instructions. I will be eternally grateful and will return the favor, if ever I can.
Frank
Hey Frank,
I love that we can support each other and when we air out our struggles we find others are experiencing the same thing.
I can't help with the Contact link issue although I'll bet it will have something to do with a Widget.
Posting on Google+ could be done in two ways that I've used.
1) When you open your Google+ page there's an icon at the bottom right side of the screen (looks like a pen). Click to open a window to write a post. Go ahead and write what you want to say and include a copy and pasted link to your website post. Once you post it, the link becomes clickable.
2) Another way I've used involves social media icons. If you don't have social media icons on your website, you might want to download a widget for that. I use "The Ultimate Social Media Icons" widget.The standard version is free (Yes, there's a premium version). Download the standard version and activate it. It then prompts you to choose an array of setting options. Make your selections allow the user to "share" as well as "like" your posts and be sure to SAVE.
Once the icons are on your website (sidebar or other location) click on the G+ icon. Choose to share and follow the rest of the process making sure to choose where the post is being shared to, i.e. public, a particular group or community, a certain person, etc.
When done, this method it should have the look of a shared website. You can check out one of mine on Google+:
https://plus.google.com/u/1/+BobArsenaultQualityLife
While your there, follow me and I'll see you and follow you, too.
I hope this is helpful.
Now, just a head's up... on lesson 10, course 2 you'll be prompted to write an update blog. Maybe you can copy and paste mine. ;-)
Thanks for checking in with me and Happy New Year!
~Bob
I just created a widget, using TEXT, titled it Contact Frank. In text, I entered my email, highlighted it, then clicked the "link". It opens a box where I entered my email address again, then clicked the blue box with the arrow to apply it. Then I saved it, and Voila!
It's great to have a list of specific goals such as you've listed above. I know many people who've built successful sites to supplement their retirement income. It's so great to work from anywhere, anytime for just a few hours a day (or less!) and have the life you want. Go for it!
Thanks for the encouragement, Jeannine. Let's stay on target throughout 2018!
Happy New Year!
~Bob
Bob I am also very proud of my association with you. As far as the technical struggles. We all have them. I will be posting about developing our competencies but everything WA has us doing follows the steps to accomplishing that. You're getting better without even realizing it. Great update Bob. Thanks for your honesty.
Kind regards,
Carl
Thanks, Carl. I'll be looking for your post so I can glean from what you've learned.
I'm glad we're in this together. I'm convinced many would have quit long ago if not for this community.
Blessings on you, my friend!
~Bob
Hello Bob,
Thank you for the update. This was a good read and I think you are doing very well here at WA. I am with you on the Google analytics and Webmaster tools. They are difficult to master (I have not yet). But like you I persevere.
WA is a great place to learn and become proficient at building websites and there is so much positive about it. The community is great and with the training we all can succeed.
Alex
Absolutely right, Alex. WA is great! Glad we're on this road together.
Here's to the New Year and getting a handle on the Google stuff.
All the best,
~Bob
Happy New Year to you Bob and your family.
You are doing great so far and although you think you haven't been here too long you would actually be surprised at how much you do know without even thinking about it.
Keep going and keep taking it a day at a time. I have been here for over a year and a half and still haven't finished the training but I am not letting it get to me. I will complete it at my own pace and my own time as it is not a race and there are no prizes for finishing quickly.
The main thing is to enjoy what you are doing and take it a day at a time. xxxx
Heh Bob, You're not on your own with the techie stuff, I'm just picking out what I find easy first knowing that in the end the other "stuff" will make sense.
I learn't something very difficult once, I wallowed around for months before it all clicked into place. I was so surprised I didn't see things clearer earlier.
We will laugh later when we realize it wasn't so hard after all.
Like you, I don't know enough to 'help' someone, but I can read blogs & give feed back and appreciation, sometimes that's enough for now.
Cheers Jae
Thanks, Jae! You see, that's what's great about things here. We have many of the same challenges and we can openly share knowing someone will understand.
All the best to you,
~Bob
Hello bob. Your post is exactly like the one I would write. I'm on level 3 lesson 7. Still working on Adsense. I have been here since august. Like you I work on my website on all of my off days. I have even written some of my posts at work on my cell phone at break time. I save them in site content and polish them and publish when I finally get some laptop time. Let's keep on keeping on. Good luck and happy new year. Michael Cox.
Thanks, Michael! Looks like we're in the same boat but, at least our boat is going somewhere. I know a lot of people with no boat or their boat is adrift.
Happy New Year to you!
~Bob
Thanks for sharing your journey Bob, I really like how you have made those self telling observations and also that you have outlined a plan moving forward.
The sense of community can be very empowering, and one not to be underestimated.
Have an excellent year Bob, really enjoyed your post.
Thanks, Alex. I like to have my dreams "steeping in the tea of reality". Tryin' to keep it real!
I seriously appreciate the encouragements and friendship from folks like you.
Happy New Year!
~Bob
Hey it's good to hear from you Bob. It's nice to see you making progress. Like you, I find the back office tasks of putting my posts through the steps to be very time consuming. I do have some ideas on that though for future scaling.
Looking forward to your future progress reports.
Happy New Year!
Keith
Yeah, Keith, not my favorite tasks. However, I think part of it is not being knowledgeable enough yet. I hope as I become more familiar I won't seem like i'm in such a fog.
Thanks for the encouragement, my friend!
Happy New Year
~Bob
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You are right. Don't even think Amazon until you are getting significant traffic to your website. I'm trying to promote WA by sharing useful training with my network. I'm also finding many affiliate programs some of which I can join and some that require me to have more traffic.
Amazon won't tell me how much traffic I need or why they reject my websites.
I like the way you have laid out your accomplishments and your goals. You definitely are on your way.
Thank you very much for your advice and encouragement, Bill! I greatly appreciate it.
~Bob